Dental Assistant & Radiography Courses

Dental Assistant course FAQs

What does a Dental Assistant do?

You'll be a crucial part of every dental procedure, working alongside dentists to help deliver quality patient care. Your day might involve preparing the surgery, sterilising tools, mixing materials and assisting during treatments. You'll also be the friendly face helping nervous patients feel at ease. 

Dental assistants sometimes also manage admin tasks like answering calls, booking appointments and updating patient records.

How do I become a Dental Assistant in Australia?

Become a Dental Assistant with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. This nationally recognised qualification gets you job-ready with everything you need to succeed:

• Real-world experience with 350 hours of practical placement in dental practices.

• Essential chairside skills, from prepping procedures to operating suction apparatus.

• Infection control expertise: sterilisation, cleaning and maintaining practice hygiene.

• Administration skills including patient records, scheduling and supply management.

Want to advance your career? The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting opens doors to specialised roles. Or, do the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) for special training in radiography.

What qualifications do you need to be a Dental Assistant in Australia?

While you can start as a trainee, most employers look for a Certificate III in Dental Assisting on your resume. This qualification gives you a competitive edge, as you’ll be ready to jump straight into work after you graduate.

To further your career options and work with X-rays, you'll need a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting with radiography units. Both qualifications include an online component and practical placement.

What does a dental radiographer do?

Dental radiographers are specialists in capturing the detailed images dentists need to diagnose problems and plan treatments. In a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography), you’ll learn to master the technical skills of positioning X-ray equipment and processing images while maintaining patient comfort and safety. 

It's a role that combines precision with care — you'll need to capture perfect images while helping anxious patients feel at ease. You'll also maintain strict radiation safety protocols and manage the practice's digital imaging systems.

How to be a dental radiographer

The path to dental radiography starts with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Then, you’ll complete the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography). 

This advanced qualification teaches you:

• Professional techniques for taking and processing dental X-rays.

• Essential knowledge of radiation biology and protection.

• Advanced patient positioning and communication skills.

• Expert use of digital imaging systems and record management.

The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) is an additional 8 units of study that you can complete in up to 12 months.